On the 16th December, Cub Scouts commemorated the organisation, as the centenary year of Cubs came to a close. Across the country, cubs renewed their promises at 19:16, chosen to celebrate the year of Cubs’ formation.

But what is the promise, and where did it originate from?

It is an integral part of the scouting movement, with the purpose of the promise being to remind members of what the principles of the movement are: Having a duty to God, others, and yourself. It helps to show that an individual is part of Scouting, and reciting, and then adhering to it is a necessary requirement to be part of Scouts.

The cub’s promise itself is an adaptation from the main Scout’s one, but changed to accommodate the younger children, aged between 8–10½, involved in Cub Scouts. The cubs will recite the promise when they are invested (join) into the group in front of the rest of the pack, not becoming a full member until then. They also say in special occasions, and in the Richmond upon Thames District, renew it at least once a year at The St. Georges Day.

The original Scout’s promise was written up by the founder of the Scouting organisation, Lord Robert Baden-Powell, in his book “Scouting for Boys,” back when scouting first originated in 1907. Today, the standard promise (below) remains almost unchanged with only slight changes made to it:

 “On my honour,
I promise to my best,
to do my duty to God and to the Queen,
to help other people,
and to keep the Cub Scout Law.”

The promise has been adapted for nations around the world, and has several different versions for people with different religious beliefs.

Overall, it is apt that the Cubs celebrate their 100th anniversary with their promise, as it is one of the integral parts of the scouting movement.

By Matthew Lambert from Orleans Park School